Today Ava Headed to the ER

It's been a little while since we've last visited the Aultman Emergency Room staff ... 

Grandpa Bernie had come over to hang out and deliver your Christmas gifts. You were enjoying your new putting green and playing in the living room when the accident happened. 

I was sitting in the recliner, with my outstretched on the floor hitting a balloon into the air with you while you tried to catch it. 

You came running towards me to catch the pink piece of inflated latex when you tripped over my feet and went headfirst into the end table. 

It's a sound I won't soon forget. I popped out of the chair and quickly grabbed you. 

Blood was rushing from a deep cut to the side of your right eye. 

I grabbed a paper towel that was quickly saturated and mom brought over a damp towel covering an ice pack.

Grandpa Bernie scooped up Arlee, who was crying because she was concerned for you.  

While assessing the situation and trying to stop the blood, you told us "I don't want another boo boo!" 

Heartbreaking. 

We had an idea that you'd be okay when you asked for us to take a picture so you could see it. 

Since the cut is so close to your eye, we thought it best to go to the ER and just make sure there wasn't anything wrong with your vision or the orbital bones. 

I was a little surprised as the doctor's and nurses didn't even really check that. Mom was concerned that the cut might need a stitch or two since it was so deep. Luckily all it needed was a little super glue. 

The staff observed you for a little bit to make sure there was no neurological issues and even offered you a popsicle. 

We're so thankful nothing was broken, that your vision is fine and we were able to walk out of the ER with just a little glue and an inflated latex glove. 

Today Avas Went to Her First Cavs Game

I was offered a pair of tickets to see the Cavs take on the Philadelphia 76ers tonight at the Q. Could we pass them up? Absolutely not! 

Chcuck could get in without a ticket, but it was necessary for you to have one. Or so we thought. 

We wanted to take you girls to the game and just figured on getting a ticket at the box office. 

"That will be $300" the attendant told mom. Mom turned around and said "Well I guess we'll just go back home ..." 

He motioned her to lean in close, asked how old you were and then said "Each of you go in at a separate entrance and each say the kids are under two." 

I don't like being dishonest and we're raising you two to be truthful, but if that's what he's instructing us to do, then we'll give it a shot. 

We walked through security without being questioned. 

Things are going in our favor today. 

We got to our seats and noticed that the two beside us were empty. You got your own sea anyway! 

Mom captured one of the cutest photos as the players were being introduced. I'll have to have her send it to me to add here (her Instagram account is set to private so I cannot embed it here.)

The look on your face was priceless. 

Your attention span lasted into the second quarter, even cheering on Lebron a few times!

After that, it quickly faded and in the third quarter you look at mom and said "I'm ready to go home." 

We bribed you with food ... Nachos, a hotdog, pretzels that we brought ... but that wore thin around and with about 4:00 left in the game we left our seats. 

Somebody was tired. 

All in all, you did great at your first game. Get used to them, there'll be a lot more in your future.

Today Ava went to Winter Fest in Akron

Our friends Roy and Brittney invited us to join them at Lock 3 in Akron this evening for their winter fest. It included Ice Skating, sled riding and more. 

With the temps falling into the 20s we got you and Chuck all bundled up and headed out. 

Mom took you out on the ice for your first attempt at ice skating.

Unfortunately you were too interested in eating the shaved ice ... 

 Two slow laps and many falls later, it was time to turn in your skates and hit the sled hill. 

And by sled hill, I mean carpeted wooden structure built into the side of the Lock's hill. 

Since there's no snow yet, they hose the carpet down and let it freeze to give riders the thrill. 

I messed up and said "Ava let's race Keelie!" 

Yeah, a huge mistake because for our entire half hour time slot it was "I just want to win" between sobbs. 

 

Each time we went don the hill you exited the sled just thrilled. "Let's do it again!" you would scream while hopping up and down. 

That's the kind of excitement I love to see from you. 

Don't ever lose that wonder for the simple things!

Today Ava made a Ginger Bread House

Mom sent me a text this afternoon letting me know about a Christmas event at First Chirstian Church this evening and asking if I wanted to go. 

Anytime we can do something with you girls, I'm all for it. 

I hurried home from work as the event began at 5:30 and we got you two all bundled up and out the door. 

I had to change your sister as soon as we got there and you and mom headed for the large inflatable slide. 

We walked around to see what else was on hand while waiting for Laney and Liv to arrive. You were "sad because" they hadn't shown up yet. 

One of the rooms was full of tables loaded with candies and graham crackers and frosting for th ekids to make ginger bread houses. 

I sat with Chuck while you and mom crafted a masterpiece. 

Why do I spend so much time on the gingerbread house? The fake smile, that's why. 

A few minutes later we caught up with your friends and ...

 

... all was right with the world again.

Today Ava Was Overjoyed by Santa

Let's begin with a morning selfie. 

And a little sister bonding after I left for work. 

 

Now, to what I want to remember from the day ... 
 
As we were leaving Chuck's one year well visit at Family Physicians this afternoon, in walked Santa Claus. 

I overheard the lady behind the counter tell someone else that it's just their accountant who dresses up every year and stops in the office. 

That didn't matter to you. 

As I stood there to checkout and schedule AJs next appointment, mom told you to go look around the corner, Santa is here. 

You cautiously stepped forward until you could peek around the corner to your left in the lobby. As soon as you saw him, you began to hop in place excitedly. 

Santa played right into it with a boisterous "Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!" 

I couldn't see the exchange between the two of you, but when you returned you couldn't have been happier. 

I just love seeing the pure joy on your face and hope it never fades. As adults, we tend to lose sight of the little things. Please don't. 

Not only did Santa make your day, but as one of the nurses began to walk a patient back to the rooms, I heard her say "That just made my day, seeing that little girl so excited." 

See, the excitement is contagious. 

We could all use an extra smile in our day.

Today Ava posed for Christmas Cards

It didn't get off to a great start ... 

 

But once you were bribed with "Tootsies" (tootsie rolls) the game changed. 

 

It's amazing how you can turn the attitude on and off like a switch. 

The pics aren't my best work, but I think we got some usable stuff here. 

Now if we could just get a little snow around here ...

Today Ava Was Home With Mom

I had to work late a we had another cut down in the selection process for work. 

Of all days to work until 9:30 ... we're leaving in less than 12 hours for New York and I haven't even begun to pack yet. 

Bless your mom's heart, not only was she wrangling you and your sister tonight, but she also was able to get the majority of the packing done. 

I just needed a few clothes and we were all but good to go. 

Mom and I spent the morning via text looking for a dual screen portable DVD player to take on our trip tomorrow. 

Once we got it figured out, she was able to leave the office a tad early to go get it. 

Let's hope it keeps you content tomorrow! 

After she got off work, she sent me a text of you and your sister geting "dippy cheese" with Jenna from El Camp's.

Eaily one of your favorite "meals." 

I came home to find everyone "passed out."

Or so I thought. As you can see in the pic above, you just began to raise your head and I heard "He's home!" 

That made my day. 

Eventually we got you settled back down and it was cute the way you fell asleep. 

On my legs with your arm wrapped around your buddy McGee. 

Rest up, kiddo, we've got a long drive ahead of us tomorrow!

Today Ava showed a difference between Lunch and Dinner

Lunch in our house ... 

Compared to dinner ... 

There's a bit of a difference there. 

Not sure if you were wound up from Dance class or what, but dinner was interesting tonight, to say the least. 

Could have been a lack of nap that really drew the personality out of you tonight or a combination of the the two. 

Either way, I'm sure the people around us enjoyed their quiet dinners when we departed! 

We had fun, though! 

Today Ava Saw the Polar Express!

The event itself may have been anticlimactic from an adult perspective, but to see the excitement on your face build as the train came into focus and stop in front of us Santya and Mrs. Claus disembarking ... priceless. 

The video doesn't quite do it justice, you really lit up once the train arrived. 

As you can see, it was cold. We originally were not going to stay that long in Shelby as mom had an open house so we packed lightly. 

Karen, her business partner elected to do the open house on her own today so we could stick around. 

It was a scramble to find coats and hats and such, but it all worked out in the end. 

Maybe next year we'll properly plan so you and your sister can enjoy more of the downtown activities.

Today Ava Went To See Friends

Earlier in the week our friend Ben texted to see what we were doing this weekend for the Ohio State football game. After some back and forth we made plans to drive out to Lexington and watch the game with them. 

You and mom headed out to your hair appointments with Laura while Arlee and I went to the store to pick up the food that we planned to take with us. 

I'm dissapointed that I failed to get a pic of your hair to show you. 

Anyway, it took you a little bit to open up but once you did, you held your own with Brycen. We almost had to separate you two due to the roughhousing. 

The two of you were wrestling around and you held your own with him! I'm quite proud. 

By the end of the evening all of the kids were huddled around the iPad watching PAW Patrol and other cartoons. 

Even though the Buckeyes lost ... we had a lot of fun hanging out with friends. 

Today Ava Tried on Some Specs

On behalf of your genetics, I apologize that you're reading this through your corrective lenses.

See, mom has had glasses since her 6th grade year and me since 6th. 

Evolution is not in your favor. If you're reading this free and clear, I'm amazed! 

I took the afternoon off so that mom and I could use up the remaining medical reimbursement I have through work and resupply our contact lenses and get new glasses. 

Mom was first to get her eyes checked and while we waited, you tried on a few pairs. 

Of course, they had to be pink. Afterall, "It's my favorite color!" you would tell all who would listen. 

Stop looking so grown up! 

While we waited for mom, a new customer stopped by and asked Justine, the optical lady, for "a fun pair of red framed glasses." 

You heard "red" and quickly inserted yourself as her assistant, pulling every red framed pair of glasses you could find and reach from their display. 

I tried to get your attention and Justine just laughed and said you were just fine. 

Way to be a little helper!

Today Ava Smelled Slobber

Yeah, you read that subject line correctly ... proud parents we are. :) 

Sitting on the couch as a family, Arlee tucked nicely in the crook of mom's arm and you sitting between mom and me, I looked over to see you smelling your fist. I wasn't sure what you were doing but I cast it off without another thought. 

Seconds later you shove the thumb side of your fist under my nose and say "Smell my slobber." 

Um, what? 

"Smell my slobber, it's gross" and pressed your fist further into my nose. 

Yeah, kiddo, it's gross! 

As mom and I start laughing we both look to see you lick your fist, sniff it and proceed to do it again. 

If you ever have a boyfriend I don't like, I'm pulling this story out of my bag of tricks! 

I must share this though, I left work around 3:30 today so mom could get to the MAPS Air Museum for the CE course she had signed up for. After you and AJ waved from the dining room window, I asked if you wanted to go to the store. 

"To the bread and cheese store (Panera)?" you asked. 

Well, that wasn't my intention, but sure. 

Once you had your fill it was off to our original destination ... the mall, more specifically Sears. Earlier in the week mom had pointed out a few items that she liked and I figured we had the opportunity now to go get them without her knowing. 

All went well until mom got home. 

She was barely in the door when ... "Mom! We went to bread and cheese store!" 

"Oh, you did?" mom replied. 

"Yeah, and we went to the other store and another store and got you a new purple dress and pants!" 

I couldn't react fast enough to stop your blabber mouth. :)

When we were at Sears I was holding AJ and sorting through the pants mom wanted to find her size. You were doing your thing looking at costume jewelery and asking to ride the escalator. 

At one point you walked around the table I was at and found a purple "dress" and said "Mom would really like this dress." 

I looked up and thought, you're right. And I thought it would be extra special since you picked it out all by yourself. 

After the cat was out of the bag about our trip, I decided to give mom her gift now. 

By this time we were all in the basement playing so I ducked out to the car where the bag was stashed, ripped off the price tags and brought it inside. 

I handed it to you to give to mom and she opened it up. 

She tried on your shirt and I'll tell you what, I'm smiling as I type this because to see the pure joy on your face when she told you he loved it was nothing short of heart wearming. 

Standing in front of her and looking up you said 'Awww, you love it? and when mom said yes, you hopped up and down uncontrollably and jumped into her arms. 

Moments like this are why I love being a parent. Seeing that emotion from you made giving the gift early worth it all.

Today Ava Howled at the Moon

You're becoming quite the character (and in a good way) as you find your identity. 

You'll mimic frogs, cats and dogs - of which your canine name is Milly you tell us - hopping, meowing, and barking throughout the house. 

We play fetch, etc. At first, honestly, I tried to quell the animal impersonations but your mom is right, you're just expressing yourself and I've come to realize that. And now, I play along.

Today was a new one. Mom sent me the video below of you howling like a wolf from our front porch. Too much Alpha and Omega movie? Perhaps. 

That's actually really good! 

Mom also took you and AJ to the park before I finished up my 9-5 and we went to take a look at the golf course facility with Jenna for your sister's birthday party. 

Glad you enjoyed the fresh air once more because I fear the warm November weather won't be around for much longer.

Today Ava Slept In

Mom and I converse a lot during work hours via text, so when my phone rings and I see that it's your mom, I can't help but think something is wrong. 

Especially when the call isn't anticipated. 

Today, when my phone rang and I heard "Hi dad" on the other side I just had to smile. 

I have a standing 8:30 am meeting every Tuesday morning that forces me to leave a little earlier than the rest of the week. 

Well, you were still asleep ... in our bed ... when I left this morning. You called to tell me you were "sad because I didn't get to see you leave." 

Okay, my heart melted a little. 

When you did actually wake up, mom told me later, that you screeched from the room a few times. To which she wasn't going to acknowledge until you spoke to her. I can't say as I blame her. 

When she and AJ went back to our room, you greeted her with a nice comfy place to rest. 

  
See, each morning I give you a hug and a kiss and then a "baber squeeze" as we like to call hugs from AJ. 

Editors note: We might have some OCD issues as you grow up because if I do not handle our morning routine the same each and every time, I hear about it. "Dad, you didn't give Arlee a squeeze." or "Dad, Arlee is on my side [of the window]!" 

You get it honest, mom and I are creatures of habit. 

I say goodbye as you and AJ peer out the window and head to my car. I open the window, turn the radio off and angle the car down the driveway so I can see you two. 

Quite frankly, I look forward to this. Twice a day. Once when I leave in the morning and again when I head back from lunch. 

It always makes me think back to when you and mom would "surprise" me at the top of the steps when I came home. 

Thank you for making my day!

Today Ava Wanted a Baby Brother

I don't know why you got out of bed this morning, but your day got better, trust me. 

How we got on the subject tonight fails me, but what I do recall is that the evening was winding down, you were sitting across mom's legs on the couch and I was on the floor with Arlee. 

Mom said "Ava, do you want a baby brother?" 

To which you replied "yeah." 

"You do, you want a baby brother?"

"Yeah, I want you to go buy me a baby brother." 

Mom and I looked at each other and laughed. I'm not so sure that's how it works, but the longer you believe that, the longer I'll keep my sanity!

Today Ava went from student to teacher

Could a career in education be in your future? 

Mom and I were having a bit of a text conversation this morning and she sent me a video of you singing one of your favorite tunes "Alligator, alligator in the swamp. Alligator, alligator chomp chomp chomp" over and over and over again while sitting on the potty. 

I commented on how much you love the song. It's one in which you and mom made up the other day. 

Mom replied "An angry teacher, though." 

Watch this, you'll see what I mean. 

I couldn't help but laugh.

You've inherited a lot of great qualities from your mother and me. Though this one may come back to haunt you someday ... you're father's patience. Or lack there of. 

It's no secret. I'm not patient.

One other point that I'd like to touch on is your separation axiety. 

I commented yesterday on your struggles at dance class and when I walked in the door this afternoon you were cradled in mom's arms on the living room floor crying about going to swim lessons. 

All of our sweet talking was falling on deaf ears. You seemed to come around a little bit as mom and Arlee were in the poor for her lesson, but that all changed when it was time for you to go into the pool area by yourself. 

Mom and AJ went to change and I stayed wth you in the stands until your teacher, Joyce, called the students down. 

You began to sob saying "I'm not ready. I'm not ready dad." 

I tried to explain that it's okay and pointed to the window's to the observation area where mom and I would be watching. 

The tears began to flow as you walked down the step and Joyce took your hand. Thankfully she has a great personality and is very good with the kids. 

I met mom upstairs and told her about the exchange. We both were concerned about how the lesson would go. Last week you were a total dead fish, not participating at all. 

We noticed that today was different. You were engaged, willing to participate. 

When class ended and they paraded the students across the big pool to waiting parents, you were leading the class with a beaming smile on your face. 

Did we have a breakthrough? We'll know next week, but on the drive to grab a bite to eat all you talked about was how much fun you had. Phew!

In a cute moment this evening, you fell asleep with mom and Miggy Migs curled up right beside you. 

A rare moment of peace for the kitty.

Today Ava Struggled at Dance Class

This morning we had a talk and came to an agreement. You would do two thing for me tonight. 

1. Have fun at dance class and 
2. Make friends

Okay, so it wasn't so much an agreement as it was me telling you. But, I felt it was a necessary thing to talk about. 

I know you can be brave, you prove it time and time again, even as early as this morning at Boettler Park climbing the rock wall. 

Being brave is fun!

Our plan was after work mom would meet me in the parking lot at work and I would take Arlee home while you two went to class. 

Last week I tried to work late while mom handled the two of you, but the dance studio isn't conducive for little kids and it was tough for mom to hold AJ the whole time as she just wanted down to explore. 

Based on this video, things weren't going so well for mom at home. 

You were still sobbing in the car when I saw you. You'll be fine kiddo! Forget about us and go have fun! 

We'll always be right around the corner! 

As the class was being lined up hand-in-hand to walk into the room for class, mom said you cried and begged her "Mom, don't leave me. Come with me!"

Talk about breaking mom's heart! 

A co-worker of mine has a daughter that has danced ere for a few years now and she showed mom a little spot where she could peek into the studio. 

Mom said you were total dead fish ... just like last week at swimming. You sure do have a powerful mix of our attitudes! Managed properly, it'll take you places. You just need to learn how to handle it. 

She peeked in again a little later and said you had warmed up to everything. 

Afterwards the instructor told us she made a connection with you by talking about your nails and making small talk. 

The next time mom snuck a look into the room, you were teachers pet. 

At dinner you promised us you'd be better tomorrow at swimming and next week at dance. 

Time will tell, but we've got our fingers crossed. 

Today Ava Supervised the Deck Build

Our front deck has been in a bit of disrepair as of late. 

The front boards have warped to a point where mom and I don't feel that it's safe for you to go outside unattended without risk of falling if you lean on them. 

Grandpa Bernie and I got rained out this week and the forecast for today wasn't very promising, but we decided to give it a try before the weather rolled in.

You were really enjoying the drive to Home Depot to get materials until you spotted me recording the vocals.

Once we met Grandpa at Home Depot, you didn't leave his side. 

We purchased our materials and followed Grandpa and his truck back to our house. 

Our conversation on the drive went like this: "Dad, Grandpa Bernie has a blue car like ours." 

"He has a blue truck, honey."

"Yeah, a blue truck car."

"No, just a blue truck. A pickup truck." 

"Yeah, a blue pickup truck car." 

After a few minutes of this, you wore me down. I gave in. You were so insistent. See why I tell people you're going to be a CEO someday? Your unwillingness to back down is uncanny. 

At home, you wanted to be a part of the action like you always do. When we finished the demo of the railing, you insisted on being outside. 

Understand that there was no front to the deck anymore. One false move and you could go over the side to the driveway below. 

See my reluctance to let you out there? Yet again, you won. 

Our compromise was that you sit on the chair while Grandpa and I worked. Butt in chair. 

You even tried to negotiate that. 

"Ava, sit back down."

"I just put one foot on the floor. I'm still in the chair." 

"Put your booty in the chair or you'll go inside." 

"I just want one foot on the floor, Dad." 

"No. Sit down or you'll go back in." 

"I just not listen to you!" 

With Grandpa chuckling in the background I responded "Yeah, we are all too familiar with that now sit down!" 

I got some attitude, pursed lips and a grunt, but I won this one! 

I have a better understanding of what your Uncles and I put Grandpa through when we were little. 

We got as far as we could on the deck for the day and then it was on to project number two ... painting the living room. 

Of course you would want to help with that too! 

We appreciate the enthusiasm, but after some paint splatters on the floor and on your jeans, we had to take the brush from you. 

Don't worry about it, there's plenty more walls to paint! We were just hustling to get that one n the books before you two went to bed. 

Thanks for all of your help today!